Engine control apparatus



Nov. 24, 1942. J. a. DYER ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS Original Filed Nov. 19, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 is 1 T0 IGNITION T0 GASOLINE 640G5- TO FOOT ACCELERATOR glwuentoz B.

Nov. 24, 1942. .1. B. DYER 2,302,683

ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS Original Filed Nov. 19, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 68 7'0 IGNITION Patented Nov. 24, 1942 ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS John B. Dyer, Dayton, Ohio, assignor, by mesne assignments, to General; Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application November 19, 1932, Serial No. 643,375 Renewed August 4, 1937 29 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for controlling the operation of internal combustion engines, more particularly those of automotive vehicles and specifically to apparatus for con trolling the starting devices for such engines.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide improved means for causing the starting motor to become operative upon operation of some one of the control devices which must be operated by the driver of the vehicle to control its operation in combination with means controlled by some variable function of the englue to prevent operation of the starting motor at any time that the engine is running.

This object is attained, according to the present invention, by the provision of a starting motor, the circuit of which is controlled by a mag netic switch which is controlled by the ignition switch and a rotary switch operated by the accelerator pedal so that said magnetic switch is closed upon closing of the other two switches, but is prevented from closing during operation of the engine by operation of the generator or by the effect of engine suction.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodiment of one form of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Fig. l. is a wiring diagram of one form of the present invention in which the means for rendering the starting motor ineiTective is controlled by the generator.

Fig. 2 is a similar diagram of a modified form' of the invention in which the starting motor is rendered ineffective by engine suction.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are detail views of a control switch.

Referring to Fig. 1 the starting motor iii is grounded at H. As illustrated, the starting mo tor is adapted to drive the engine through the medium of the well known Bendix drive (not shown) with which this form of control system is particularly useful. The motor i8 is connected by wire l2 with one fixed contact [3 of a magnetic switch indicated in its entirety by the letter A. The other fixed contact i is connected by a wire 45 to a wire l6 leading to a battery ll grounded at it. Cooperating with the contact-s l3 and i4 is a movable contact Hi carried by the armature of a solenoid comprising a core 2! surrounded by a winding 22, the movable contact being held in open position as shown by a spring a housing 2% enclosing the winding. When this magnetic switch is closed current will flow from the battery to ground and from the battery through wires it, It switch A and wire it to the starting motor and through wire II to ground causing the starting motor to operate.

The magnetic switch is adapted to be closed upon closing of the ignition switch and another switch, indicated in its entirety by the letter B and operated by the accelerator pedal which controls the quantity of mixture supplied by the carburetor to the engine. The magnetic switch is caused to open when the engine is running at a predetermined speed and is prevented from closing as long as the engine continues to run under its own power by the action of the generator as more fully described hereinafter.

The winding of the magnetic switch A is connected at one end to a wire which connects with a wire 26 leading from the wire !6 to a generator 2! grounded at 28, the wire being connected between the generator and the usual cut-out relay. The other end of winding 22 is connected by a wire 29 with one fixed contact 38 of the switch B, the other fixed contact 3| thereof being connected by a wire 32 to a wire 33, leading from one fixed contact 34 of the ignition switch to the gasoline gauge while a second wire 33a leads from fixed contact 3-5, to the ignition system of the engine (not shown). A movable contact having two contact arms 35 and ior cooperation with fixed contacts 34 and 34a, is connected by a wire 36 with the wire l5 leading to the battery.

The switch B comprises in addition to the fixed contacts and 3! a movable bridge contact member 31 mounted for rotation in any suitable manner in the switch housing 38 which is supported in any desirable way. The member 31 carries two contact members 38 and M which engage respectively the contacts 3!! and IN when the switch is closed. An arm M is integral with the member 31 and is connected by a rod 42 with the accelerator pedal, or some element operated thereby. in any suitable manner to enable the switch to be moved to closed position when the accelerator is operated to open the throttle, while a spring 43 tends to move the member 31 to its normal open position.

The generator is preferably of the separately excited type and the field coils thereof are connected by the wire 44 with the wire 33 leading to the gasoline gauge.

The operation of the above described device is very simple. When the ignition switch is closed and the contact member 31 is moved so as to engage the contacts 30 and 3| current will flow from the battery to ground and from the battery through wires I6, 33, the ignition switch, wire 32, switch B and wire 29 to the winding 22, and thence through wires 25 and 26 to the generator and through connection 28 to ground. Thus the circuit through the winding of the magnet of the switch A is closed which causes closing of said switch and the starting motor immediately becomes operative to start the engine. When the engine is running under its own power and the generator is operating at a predetermined speed a counter voltage is set up in the winding 22 because of connections 25 and 28 leading to the generator, and as long as the generator continues to run the switch A will not be closed, sufficient counter voltage being set up to prevent the closing of the switch at a very low speed operation of the generator.

It will be understood that while a separately excited generator is disclosed a generator of ordinary type can be used. The separately excited type is, however, more effective, setting up a higher counter voltage for a given speed, and being operative to prevent closing of the switch A at any operating speed of the engine.

The switch B may be so designed that the contacts are closed during engine operation at all positions of the accelerator pedal or otherwise constructed. Since the starting motor circuit is broken by opening of switch A which is effected independently of the switch B. The

specific arrangement of the contacts in the latter ously disclosed but the controlling devices are somewhat different. The starting motor is indicated at 59, is grounded at El and connected by wire 52 to a fixed contact 53, a similar contact 54 being connected by a wire 55 leading to a wire 58 which connects the generator with a battery 58 grounded at 59. The contacts 53 and 54 are adapted to be closed by a movable contact 69 carried by the armature of a magnetic switch C, which is of exactly the same construction as the switch A previously described, but the winding 5i of switch C is grounded directly by the connection 62 instead of being grounded through the generator as in the previously described form of the invention.

The magnetic switch C is caused to close upon closing of the ignition switch and a switch actuated by the accelerator pedal as in the form of the device shown in Fig. 1, but in the modified form the opening of the magnetic switch is caused by a breaking of the circuit of which its winding forms a part by the action of engine suction. To this end the ungrounded end of winding 6! is connected by a wire 53 to one fixed contact 64- of a switch operated by the accelerator pedal and indicated in its entirety by the letter D and more fully described hereinafter. The other fixed contact 65 of switch D is connected by a wire 66 to a wire 6'1 leading from the fixed contact 68 of the ignition switch to the ignition system. while the movable contact 89 of the ignition switch is connected by a wire 79 with wire 55 leading to the battery.

The switch D comprises a sheet metal housing H which may be supported in any desirable manner. Riveted or otherwise secured to this housing is a diaphragm chamber formed by two cupshaped sheet metal shells l2 and i3 suitably flanged and joined together so as to form a fluid tight joint with a diaphragm 14 secured between the flanges. by a circular block of insulating material I5 supporting the contacts 64 and 65 above referred to.

Secured to and supported at one end by the diaphragm M in any suitable manner and .eX-

tending through an opening 16 in the housing H The housing H is closed at one end is a cylindrical element 11 having a spindle l8 projecting from its opposite end.

Pivotally mounted on the spindle 18 is a movable contact member 19 having arcuate contact surfaces 80 formed thereon which are adapted to be moved into contact with the contacts B4 and 65 when the member 19 is rotated by means later described. The contact member 79 is held flat against the closed end of the cylindrical member H by washers 8! and a locking clip 82 which engages a groove (not shown) in spindle i8. Posts 83 and 84 are secured in the housing H on opposite sides of the member IT and act as stops to limit the movements of the contact member 19 while a helical spring 85 is connected at one end to post 83 and at its other end to the contact member 19 so that the spring tends to hold the contact member 19 in its normal open position.

In order to move the contact member 19 into engagement with the fixed contacts 64 and 65 there is provided a sleeve 86 which is closed at one end, the closed end fitting within a suitable recess in the insulating material 15, while projecting therefrom is a spindle 8T, journalled in said insulating material and having secured in any suitable way at its outer end an operating arm 88 which is adapted to be connected in any suitable manner to the accelerator pedal or some member operated thereby. This sleeve 86 is provided with slots 99 which embrace the movable contact member 19 when the device is assembled and shoulders 9| are provided on one side of each of these slots for a purpose to be specified later. The member 15 of insulating material may be held in place in any suitable manner and may have notches 92 formed in its periphery, which receive suitable tangs (not shown) projecting from the housing H and adapted to be bent over the face of the member 15.

A nipple 93 is threaded into a hexagonal projection 94 which is integral with and extends from the shell 12, while a flexible suction conduit 95 of suitable material, such as copper tubing, is suitably connected to the nipple 93. Received within the inner end of the nipple 93, and extending to the diaphragm 14 is a helical spring 5 which holds the contact member 19 in engagement with the inner face of the member 15 at all times other than when the engine suction moves the diaphragm against the pressure of said spring or when the shoulders are effective to hold the contact member out of engagement with said member 15. A flanged cylindrical member 91 is received within the spring 96 to limit the movement of the diaphragm 14 under the influence of suction, the flange on such member being received between the spring and the diaphragm.

The operation of this switch is substantially as follows. When the engine is stopped the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 3, the contact member 19 occupying the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4 with the surfaces an out of engagement with the contacts 54 and 65, but in engagement with the surface of the member 15. Upon movement of the operating arm 88, in a clockwise direction, from a full line position to the dotted line position of Fig. 4 the contacts 80 are moved into engagement with contacts 64 and 65. If the ignition switch has been previously closed current will then flow from the battery 58 to ground and through the wires 56 and 10, the ignition switch, wire 66, switch D, wire 63, switch C and wire 62 to ground. The switch C is thus energized and the starting motor circuit is closed so that the starting motor is effective to start the engine. During the entire movement of the accelerator pedal from closed to full open throttle position as indicated by the full and dotted line positions of the arm 88 in Fig. 4, the contacts Bil would remain in engagement with the contacts 64 and 65 unless the member 19 were pulled away from the member I5. Accordingly the engine suction is utilized to move the member 19 in a direction normal to the surface of member 15. The suction is not sufficient to overcome the pressure of spring 96 during the cranking of the engine by the starting motor but as soon as the engine is running under its own power the suction moves the member 19 as described and the starting motor is immediately rendered inoperative.

Under some operating conditions when the load is very heavy and throttle wide open the suction might be insufiicient to hold the contact member T9 in its open position and the pressure of spring 95 cause the closing of the switch which would result in the operation of the starting motor while the engine was still running. To prevent this action the shoulders 9! are provided. When the engine is stopped the contact member lies at the position of the slots 90 and remains in such position when said member is moved. to switch closing position. When the engine suction operates to move the member 19 toward the open ends of slots 90 as soon as said member moves beyond the shoulders 9| the spring 85 moves the member I9 in a counter clockwise direction so that. if the suction falls,

it will rest on shoulders 9| until the arm 88 is returned to initial position when the member ill will engage posts 83 and 84, thus causing disengagement of the member T9 from shoulders 9|.

While the form of embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a magnetic switch adapted to be closed to effect connection of the starting motor with said current source, a switch in circuit with the magnetic switch having fixed and rotatable contacts and controlling the action of said magnetic switch, means operable by the mixture controlling means for rotating said rotatable contact into position to close said last named switch, and means operable by engine suction to move said rotatable contact out of its plane of rotation to open said last named switch when the engine runs under its own power.

2. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current s urce. switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operable when the engine starts to run under its own power to separate the fixed and movable contacts, and means independent of said last named means for holding the contacts separated during the operation of the engine.

Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operable by engine suction to separate the fixed and movable contacts, and means operable independently of the last named means for holding the contacts separated whereby closing of the switch is prevented upon any extraordinary reduction of engine suction.

4. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor adapted to be operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, a second switch operable by the mixture controlling means for controlling the operation of the first switch, means operable by engine suction for holding said second switch open during operation of the engine, and a second means operable independently of the engine for also holding said second switch open during operation of the en ine under its own power.

5. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor adapted to be operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, a second switch operable by the mixture controlling means for controlling the operation of the first switch,

means operable by engine suction for holding said second switch open during operation of the engine, a second means independent of engine suction for also holding said second switch open during operation of the engine under its own power and means for rendering said last named means inoperative upon return of the mixture controlling means to its normal initial position.

6. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, mechanism for causing the starting motor to become operative to start the engine, means for controlling the operation of said mechanism comprising a fixed and rotatable contact, said rotatable contact being movable by said mixture controllin means into engagement with the fixed contact to cause said mechanism to render said starting motor-operative. and means caused to become effective by engine suction when the engine becomes self-operative to mo e the rotatable contact out of engagement with the contact and open the control switch, and prevent reengagement of the contacts during operation of the engine. without disabling the connection between the movable contact its operating means and independent of variations in engine suction.

7. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for causing the starting motor to become operative to start the engine, a control circuit for con trolling the operation of said switch including a switch having fixed and rotatable contacts, said rotatable contact being movable by said mixture controlling means into engagement with said fixed contact to cause the closing of the starter switch and movable by engine suction when the engine becomes self-operative to effect opening of said starter switch, and means eifective when the engine is operating under its own power to prevent the closing of the switch in the control circuit, without disabling the connection between said movable contact and its operating means.

8. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, an electromagnetic switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with said current source, a control circuit including the winding of the electromagnetic switch and a control switch having fixed and rotatable contacts, said rotatable contact being movable by said mixture controlling means into engagement with said fixed contact to cause the closing of said magnetic switch, and movable by engine suction when the engine becomes self-operative to effect opening of said magnetic switch, and means effective when the engine is operating under its own power to prevent the closing of the control switch, without disabling the connection between said movable contact and its operating means.

9. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine. an ignition switch, a control switch having fixed and rotatable contacts. said rotatable contact being movable by said mixture controlling means into engagement with said fixed contact. a magnetic switch adapted to control the connection of said starting motor with said current source, said magnetic switch being controlled in its operation by the ignition switch and said control switch, and means operable when the engine becomes self-operative and the engine suction. is sufficient to effect separation of the contacts of the control switch and to prevent engagement of such contacts as the rotatable contact is moved by the mixture controlling means during operation of the engine under its own power.

10. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source. a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine. a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, said switch comprising a fixed contact. a movable contact rotatably mounted means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operated by the engine for moving the rotatable contact out of its plane of rotation when the engine begins to run under its own power, and means for holding said movable contact out of its plane of rotation iii as long as the engine continues to run under its own power.

11. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted. means connectin said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operated by the engine suction for moving the rotatable contact out of its plane of rotation when the engine begins to run under its own power, and means for holding said movable contact out of its plane of rotation as long as the engine continues to run under its own power.

12. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operated by the engine for moving the rotatable contact out of its plane of rotation when the engine begins to run under its own power. and means for positively locking the rotatable contact against return to its plane of rotation as long as the engine continues to run under its own power.

13. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine. a magnetic switch adapted to be closed to efiect connection of the starting motor with the current source, a control switch having a rotatable contact operated by said mixture controlling means to close the magnetic switch and by engine suction to open the switch, and means eiiective when the engine is self-operating to prevent movement of the rotatable contact into position to cause the closing of the magnetic switch when the engine is running, said last named means being operative to move the contact to a position out of engagement with the fixed contact without disabling the operative connection between the rotatable contact and its operating means.

14. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the ouantitv of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a magnetic switch adapted to be closed to effect connection of the starting motor with the current source, a control switch having a rotatable contact operated by said mixture controlling means for causing the closing of the magnetic switch, and means, operable when the engine becomes self-operative and the engine suction is suificient. to move said rotatable contact out of a path of movement where it can engage the fixed contact and to hold it out of such path o movement while the engine is operating under its own power. so that operation of the mixture controlling means during engine operation cannot ef- Iect closing of the control switch.

15. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a control switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the engine, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operable by the engine for moving the rotatable contact out of a path of movement where it can contact with the fixed contact, so that said mixture controlling means may be operated to control the engine speed without causing the starting motor to become operative, and means for holding the movable contact in the position to which it is moved by the engine as long as the engine is running.

16. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a control switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the engine, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operable by the engine for moving the rotatable contact out of a path of movement where it can contact with the fixed contact, so that said mixture controlling means may be operated to control the engine speed without causing the starting motor to become operative, means for holding the movable contact in the position to which it is moved by the engine as long as the engine is running and means rendering said holding means inoperative when the engine is inoperative.

1'7. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a control switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the engine, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith, means operable by the engine for moving the rotatable contact out of a path of movement where it can contact with the fixed contact, so that said mixture controlling means may be operated to control the engine speed without causing the starting motor to become operative and means operative when the mixture controlling means assumes normal inoperative position for rendering said holding means ineffective.

18. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor adapted to be operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, a second switch operable by the mixture controlling means for controlling the operation of the first switch, means operable by the engine for effecting the opening of the second switch when the engine is operating under its own power, and means operable independently of the engine for holding the switch open during engine operation.

19. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor adapted to be operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, a second switch operable by the mixture controlling means for controlling the operation of the first switch, means operable by the engine for effecting the opening of the second switch when the engine is operating under its own power, means operable independently of the engine for holding the switch open during engine operation and means operative when the mixture controlling means moves to normal inoperative position to release said holding means.

29. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture, a control switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source and having fixed and movable contacts, means connecting said movable contact with the mixture controlling means for movement therewith into engagement with the fixed contact, means operable by the engine for moving said movable contact out of engagement with the fixed contact, and a positive lock operable independently of the engine for holding said movable contact out of engagement with the fixed contact during engine operation.

21. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, a member operable by the mixture controlling means and adapted to engage said movable contact to move the latter into engagement with the fixed contact, a shoulder on said member adapted to hold said movable contact out of the path of movement in which it can engage said fixed contact, and means operable in response to engine operation under its own power to disengage the contacts and to move said movable contact into position to engage said shoulder when the engine is running under its own power.

22. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, a member operable by the mixture controlling means and adapted to engage said movable contact to move the latter into engagement with the fixed contact, a shoulder on said member adapted to hold said movable contact out of the path of movement in which it can engage said fixed contact, and means operable in response to engine suction to disengage the con tacts and to move said movable contact into position to engage said shoulder when the engine is running under its own power.

23. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor operated by current from said source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with the current source, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact rotatably mounted, a member operable by the mixture controlling means and adapted to engage said movable contact to move the latter into engagement with the fixed contact, a shoulder on said member adapted to hold said movable contact out of the path of movement in which it can engage said fixed contact, means operable in response to operation of the engine under its own power for moving said movable contact into position to engage said shoulder when the engine is running and means operable when the mixture controlling means is returned to its normal inoperative position to disengage the movable contact from said shoulder.

24. In combination with an automotive propelling engine, a throttle device in control of the supply of fuel thereto, an electric starting motor,

a main starter switch in circuit therewith, a con- L trol switch controlling the action of the main switch and having fixed and rotatable contacts, an accelerator pedal accessible to the driver for operating said throttle device and operable to move said rotatable contact into engagement with said fixed contact, a member operable in response to engine suction and movable to different positions when the engine is operative or inoperative, said member being effective to move said rotatable contact out of engagement with the fixed contact as said member is moved to the position it occupies when the engine is self operative and means effective when said member is moved to such position to prevent movement of said rotatable contact into engagement with the fixed contact upon operation of the accelerator pedal to actuate the throttle, and without disabling the operating connection between the accelerator pedal and the movable contact.

25. A starting apparatus for internal combustion engines, comprising, a current source, a starting motor operable by current from said source, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with said current source and having fixed and movable contacts, a suction operated member, a stem secured to said suction operated member and supporting the movable contact, said movable contact being rotatably mounted on said stem, means for rotating the contact on said stem to bring the contacts into engagement and cause operation of the starting motor, means whereby the suction of the engine moves said stem in a direction normal to the plane of rotation of the movable contact,

and means for causing the movable contact to be moved with said stem when the engine becomes self operative to disengage said contacts and open the control switch.

26. A starting apparatus for internal combustion engines, comprising, a current source, a starting motor operable by current from said source, a switch for controlling the connection of the starting motor with said current source and having fixed and movable contacts, a suction operated member, a stem secured to said suction operated member and supporting the movable contact, said movable contact being rotatably mounted on said stem, means for rotating the contact on said stem to bring the contacts into engagement and cause operation of the starting motor, means whereby the suction of the engine moves said stem in a direction normal to the plane of rotation of the movable contact, means for causing the movable contact to be moved with said stem when the engine becomes self operative to disengage said contacts and open the control switch, and means for preventing movement of the movable contact with said stern as the suction operated member moves upon variations in suction when the engine is self operative, so as to prevent engagement of the contacts and closing of the control switch when the engine is operating under its own power.

27 Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor adapted to be operated by current from said source, an auxiliary motor for establishing driving connection between the starting motor and the engine, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine and a switch for controlling the operation of said auxiliary motor, said switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact, a member operable by said mixture controlling means for moving said movable contact to position to close said switch, means operable by engine suction to open said switch and means on said last named member operative to hold said switch in open position independently of said mixture controlling means.

28. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor adapted to be operated by current from said source, a main switch for connecting the starting motor with the current source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine and a control switch for controlling the operation of said main switch, said control switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact, a member operable by said mixture controlling means for moving said movable contact to position to close said switch, means operable by engine suction to open said switch, means on said last named member operative to hold said switch open independently of engine suction as said mixture controlling means is moved to control the mixture supply, and means operable when said mixture controlling means is moved to normal inoperative position to render said holding means ineffective.

29. Control apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising, a current source, a starting motor adapted to be operated by current from said source, a main switch for connecting the starting motor with the current source, means for controlling the quantity of combustible mixture supplied to the engine and a control switch for controlling the operation of said main switch, said control switch comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact, a member operable by the mixture controlling device to move said movable contact to switch closing position, means operable when the engine becomes self operative to move said movable contact to position to open the switch, a shoulder on said switch closing member to hold said movable contact in switch open position during engine operation, means operable to move said movable contact into engagement with said shoulder after the switch contacts have been disengaged, and means to disengage said contact from the shoulder to permit restarting of the engine.

JOHN B. DYER. 

